Tuesday, September 16, 2008

What Do You Think?

Did you hear? Recently, Lauren Conrad, star of THE HILLS, signed a three book deal with Harper Collins. Out next summer, the three young adult books will be based on a girl who moves to Los Angeles and stars in a reality show.

What do you think of the deal?

The teacher in me is thrilled. As long as teens are reading, I'm for any book or books they're interested in. The reader in me might read the books. Okay, I admit it, I probably will. I mean, I was first in line to buy and loved Pamela Anderson's two novels, STAR and STAR STRUCK. And the author in me is wondering how the books will sell. Do you think they'll hit the bestseller's list? Will you read the books?

24 comments:

I've got Pamela Anderson's books too! LOL. And I also bought Nicole Richie's Truth About Diamonds. I will most certainly be buying the LA Candy series. I'm sure they will have their merits, and yes maybe faults, but ultimately be enjoyable reads. They will be best sellers, as I'm sure they publishing houses will give them a nice push and she certainly has the fan base.

You'll know, if there's even a single coherent sentence, she had a ghost writer do it.

The deal makes me sick. Actual writers with something to say should be getting contracts, not someone who's famous for not doing anything except shallowly swanning around on tv behaving like a moron. But that's why I hate reality TV -- I don't think people should be rewarded -- especially not with millions --for being their worst selves.

I hate when celebrities turn writers! The public doesn't seem to mind. But, as I writer, I HATE it, but let me tell you how I really feel... Oh wait, I just did! Writing is an art that takes a lifetime to master. Just because they're famous, does not mean they can also sing, act, or G-d forbid, WRITE!

One more thing... I'm not so sure I'm on board with the "as long as they're reading" angle either. Not to get argumentative, but I don't really agree. As a mother, I want my kids to read books that are well written and have meaning behind them. Reading purely for reading sake, seems to miss the point of reading altogether.

I absolutely love The Hills! It's one of the only shows that I must watch. I've never been one to read books by celebrities but I say more power to her. I don't think one should discriminate between someone like Lauren Conrad having a book about her life versus some other person who might be famous or well-known for something considered more scholarly. She has an interesting perspective and people will be interested in her story...no matter who tells it.

I'm completely ok with the "as long as they're reading" point. People poo-poo on those who read chick lit and romance all the time because they don't think it has substance. Is it true? No. In terms of books for kids I know a lot of people who would not have picked up a book on their own when they were kids unless it was one that was "of less substance." Reading those books made them more comfortable with reading and more willing to try others.

I'm on the boat with Devon regarding getting a book contract just because you're a "name" AND with Sheri about wanting my DD to read books with the right information and substance. They don't have to be "classics" but I'd really rather not have her reading about teenaged sex, illicit drugs and back-stabbing rich girls. What's the point in that?

About Me

Keri Mikulski is the author of HEAD GAMES (Razorbill/Penguin, January 6th, 2011), Pretty Tough Books 4-6 (Penguin/Razorbill, 2011-2012), SCREWBALL (The National Writing for Children Center’s 2008 Summer Young Adult Pick), and its sequel, CHANGE UP (a 2009 Cybil Nominee). Visit her website at http://www.kerimikulski.com.